1973 Cadillac Deville problems
The Cadillac DeVille is a model name used by Cadillac over eight generations, originally used to designate a trim level of the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and later to designate a standalone model in the brand range. The last model marketed specifically as a DeVille was the 2005 full-size sedan, at the time, Cadillac's largest model.
For 2006, the Deville nameplate was retired, when the model line was carried forward (with minor revisions) as the Cadillac DTS, using a nomenclature adopted by the Cadillac STS and CTS.
Early history
The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town". In French coach building parlance, a coupé de ville, from the French couper (to cut) i.e. shorten or reduce, was a short four-wheeled closed carriage with an inside seat for two and an outside seat for the driver and this smaller vehicle was intended for use in the town or city (de ville). An (unshortened) limousine or (in the United States) town car has a division between the passenger and driver compartments and if the driver's seat is outside it may be called a sedanca de ville or town car.
The first Cadillac "Coupe de Ville" was shown during the 1949 Motorama. It was built on a Cadillac Sixty Special chassis and featured a dummy air-scoop, chrome trim around front wheel openings, and a one-piece windshield and rear glass. The interior was black and trimmed in gray leather, including the headliner, to match the roof color. It was equipped with a telephone in the glove compartment, a vanity case and a secretarial pad in the rear armrest, power windows and highly decorative chrome interior trim. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was used by GM President Charles E. Wilson until 1957 when he presented it to his secretary. At some time during this period it acquired a dark Vicodec roof. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was found and restored in the 2010s; it was in a private collection in London, Ontario, Canada as of 2017.
The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was introduced late in the 1949 model year. Along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, it was among the first pillarless hardtop coupes ever produced. At US$3,496 ($44,768 in 2023 dollars ) it was only a dollar less than the Series 62 convertible, and like the convertible, it came with power windows standard. It was luxuriously trimmed, with leather upholstery and chrome 'bows' in the headliner to simulate the ribs of a convertible top. In its first year the Series 62 Coupe de Ville only sold 2,150 units. But 1950 sales more than doubled to 4507, and in 1951 sales more than doubled again to 10,241 exceeding the sales for the Series 62 Club Coupe that year. Also, in 1951, Coupe de Ville chrome script appeared on the rear roof pillar for the first time, to further distinguish it from the Series 62 Club Coupe.
In 1956 the Series 62 Coupe de Ville was joined by the Series 62 Sedan de Ville, Cadillac's first standard production 4-door hardtop. Similarly to the Coupe de Ville, it was also more expensive and more luxuriously trimmed than the standard 4-door Series 62. With 41,732 sold, it also easily outsold the Series 62 sedan in its very first year. Given their sales success, it was only natural that the Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville were moved to their own separate series in 1959, the Series 6300, being joined by a DeVille convertible in 1964.
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Common 1973 Cadillac Deville problems
Based on the complaints and issues reported by owners of the 1973 Cadillac DeVille, several common problems have been identified:
- Electrical Problems: Complaints have been made regarding electrical issues in the 1973 Cadillac DeVille, specifically related to tail lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and turn signals. Owners have experienced power coming from the lights but still facing functionality problems. This could be due to grounding issues, where corroded contacts or poor grounding connections can disrupt the electrical circuit, leading to light malfunctions.
- Stalling While Hot: Another common problem reported by owners is the car stalling when hot. This issue occurs during hot starts, where the engine struggles to start easily after being turned off for a short period. Problems with hot starting can be attributed to issues with the carburetor or vacuum advance. Rebuilding the carburetor and vacuum advance may not have completely resolved the stalling issue, indicating a need for further inspection and potential adjustments to address the hot starting problem.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections to address issues promptly and ensure the optimal performance of the 1973 Cadillac DeVille.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What is the gas mileage on a 1973 Cadillac DeVille?
1973 Cadillac DeVille MPG
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 9 fuel-ups and 1,479 miles of driving, the 1973 Cadillac DeVille gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.55 with a 1.73 MPG margin of error.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Cadillac DeVille have?
Exemplifying luxury, power, and prestige in equal measure, the Coupe DeVille was powered to match by Cadillacs proprietary 472 cubic-inch V-8 engine, delivering a 220-horsepower SAE Net power rating.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What is the gas mileage on a 1973 Cadillac DeVille?
1973 Cadillac DeVille MPG
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 9 fuel-ups and 1,479 miles of driving, the 1973 Cadillac DeVille gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.55 with a 1.73 MPG margin of error.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
On average, a well-maintained Cadillac engine can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles (or more). Proper maintenance, regular oil changes, and addressing any issues promptly can significantly extend the engine's life.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Cadillac DeVille have?
Exemplifying luxury, power, and prestige in equal measure, the Coupe DeVille was powered to match by Cadillacs proprietary 472 cubic-inch V-8 engine, delivering a 220-horsepower SAE Net power rating.
1973 Cadillac Deville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Deville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1973 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1973 Cadillac Deville complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1973 Cadillac Deville.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-02
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED THE HUB CAB TO COME OFF AFTER STRIKING THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1973 Cadillac Deville problems:
1971 or 1973 DeVille | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jul 26, 2012 ... Now I'm wondering if there are any known common problems with these cars I should lookout for? I am not a car mechanic, but I have done some ...
Q&A: 1973 Cadillac Coupe DeVille - Get Expert Answers on Classic ...
Apr 30, 2012 ... For example, the most common problem that comes up with these systems (Frigidaire 6 cylinder compressor) is the loss of the front ceramic seal ...
1973 Cadillac DeVille Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Sep 30, 2009 ... Faults: Exhaust manifold gaskets leaked - noisy. Had some starting trouble once. Air never worked. General Comments:.
1973 Fleetwood fuel/air delivery problem | Cadillac Owners Forum
May 28, 2020 ... RWD DeVille/Fleetwood, Brougham 19xx-1996 ... 1973 Fleetwood fuel/air delivery problem ... I've got a 1973 Fleetwood, and some issues with fuel and ...
What common problems can I anticipate if I buy a 1972 Cadillac ...
Oct 20, 2021 ... What are the common problems on the Cadillac Coupe Deville? Hm. I thought that the CdV stopped being made ...
Other years of Cadillac Deville
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